John Smith A Buckeye Through and Through
Just last night, John and I sat on the edge of our seats as Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer made a breathtaking play — a strip-sack followed by an 83-yard touchdown that sealed the Buckeyes’ victory against Texas. It was the kind of moment that captures everything John loves about his team: brilliance, grit, and the undeniable magic of college football.
That thrilling play came just days after John plunged his hands into the icy snow outside our home to rescue his Ohio State flag. Buried in a winter storm, the flag had disappeared for days, but John unearthed it just in time.
John Oliver Smith is no ordinary fan. Born in Lima, Ohio, he was shaped by the rolling farmlands of his hometown and the quiet resilience of his ancestors, farmers and accountants in Jackson Center. Yet his story extends far beyond Ohio.
Now living just outside Annapolis, Maryland, John’s career as an environmental engineer has taken him across the globe — from the bustling cities of Hong Kong and São Paulo to the deserts of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and the forests of Germany. Despite his global experiences, the values of his Ohio roots — humility, perseverance, and pride — remain at the heart of everything he does.
Even now, no matter where life takes us, Ohio State has a way of connecting us to others. On a plane ride between Canberra and Sydney, at an innovation summit in Sweden, or at the docks of Annapolis, conversations often reveal a shared allegiance. Sometimes it begins with a scarlet and gray hat or an exuberant “O-H!” called out in passing. These moments transcend football, reminding us of the unspoken bond between those who share Ohio’s traditions.
For those unfamiliar, a buckeye is more than a fan; it’s the name of Ohio’s state tree. Its shiny brown nut with a tan patch symbolizes luck and resilience — qualities embodied by the Buckeye spirit.
John’s connection to Ohio State began during childhood trips to visit his older brother, a student at the university. The campus captivated him with its energy, traditions, and sense of belonging. Years later, John followed in his brother’s footsteps, earning an engineering degree in a rigorous program that pushed him to his limits. But he thrived, emerging not just with a degree but with a lifelong devotion to the Buckeyes.
One unforgettable moment of football and family took place on November 19, 2011, when Ohio State played Penn State at Ohio Stadium. The Smiths and extended family gathered for a spirited tailgating party, proudly representing their teams. Despite the chilly weather and Ohio State’s loss that day, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter. With four of John’s boys attending Penn State, it was a perfect example of how football transcends competition, becoming a way to celebrate community and family.
Now, as we count down the days to the National Championship against Notre Dame, you can feel John’s excitement in everything he does. For him, it’s a celebration of everything Ohio State represents: community, determination, and pride.
It’s moments like this that bring back memories of just under two years ago, when we were in Ohio at Indian Lake, celebrating John’s birthday with family. Surrounded by the waters he fished in as a boy and the laughter of loved ones, it was a reminder of the deep ties that bind us to where we come from and the traditions we carry forward.
John’s life is a testament to the power of connection. He carries his Ohio roots wherever he goes, bridging the traditions of the Midwest with his global experiences as an engineer, sailor, and devoted family man. His journey is a reminder that the values we cherish — resilience, belonging, and love — transcend borders and unite us in profound ways.
So here’s to John, my Buckeye, and to the scarlet and gray threads that tie us all together. As January 20 approaches, we cheer not just for Ohio State, but for the spirit of community and hope they inspire.
Go Buckeyes!
